When Priddy resigned in October, he said he wanted to spend more time with his family and his young son – but he told the Times in a text message that he “will be back soon.”

He replaces Jeffrey Shank, who was dismissed after a district investigation found that he sent inappropriate text messages to a female student.

Priddy knows Tampa Bay basketball well. He led the Patriots to a 22-24 record during his tenure. He previously coached at Nature Coast from 2004-07 and took his Savannah, Ga. team to two state tournament appearances.